Threats to Samba boys: Pele: Spain, Germany will worry Brazil

Brazil legend Pele has tipped Spain and Germany as big threats to his country’s bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

“This moment is important for us because Brazil are going to play at home. So it could be a beautiful moment for us,” Pele, who helped the tournament hosts claim event honours three times, told Sky Sports.

“I think Germany is one of the best teams at the moment, and so is Spain, that’s what I think.

“Brazil has a good defence and a good team and it would be fantastic if they got to the final with Germany.”

Pele added: “The only good thing about Spain from our perspective is that they play a clean game.

“They like to play and allow the other side to play and that’s important for a team like Brazil. Spain are a side who play modern football.

“The Spanish have the same way of finding space and playing the ball.”

Brazil will open the showpiece against Croatia on 12 June before tackling Mexico and Cameroon in their other Group A games.

The second round pairs the winners of Group A against the runners-up of Group B, which contains 2010 finalists Spain and Holland.